There is simply nothing quite like reading and considering the full Bible together. There is wonder in discovering new details or meaning in stories we thought we knew so well. There are connections between the stories that are suddenly illuminated either in ways we hadn’t noticed or because our life situation now helps us to see them. There is the gift of struggling with challenging passages – even those that have caused hurt or pain. There is the beauty of hearing others’ perspectives that help shape our own. There is the whole arc of it that puts the life and teachings of Jesus in context. There is, of course, the kind of relationships that develop when you spend intentional and thoughtful time with others pursuing something good.
This year, I am delighted to lead a new curriculum “Kerygma: Discovering the Bible (A New Generation).” There are thirty lessons to this study, and it is laid out to take us from Genesis to Revelation. Thus far, I have found the study guide to be thoughtful and thought provoking. It provides enough information to stimulate good exploration without bogging the user down in too much detail. The reading load usually includes about seven fairly short readings easily spread out through the week (ideal) or handled more intensely if needed. There are good questions and activities that not only get at what the material is all about, but why it matters for us today. There is a copy of the Curriculum in the small conference room on the table. Feel free to take a look (and please leave it for others to do the same).
Beyond the curriculum, participants are encouraged to have a study Bible for their use. I am happy to help you pick one out that suits you. While we invite people to cover the costs of the workbook ($35) and Bible (if needed), the church never wants study to be a financial burden, so it is never a requirement.
I plan to offer this study in two different ways:
Hybrid Mid-Day – Begins Wednesday, September 20, planned for Wednesdays 11:45am until 1:00pm (alternatively, it could be done on another weekday)
Gathered in person and on-line, this approach will tackle one section weekly. We will engage the lesson while also building relationships with each other.
Sign-up for Hybrid Mid-Day series
Evening In Person-In Depth – Begins Wednesday, September 27, planned for the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month 5:45-7:45
This approach will tackle two sections every other week. Given the length and the in-person dimension, we will allow the conversation to lead us deeply into those places of mutual interest. On the second Wednesdays we will start by grabbing some food at the community supper; on fourth Wednesdays we will figure out whether and how to add some food into our gathering.
Sign-up for Evening In-person series
Given the nature of this study, it is important for people to make a commitment to being present when possible. Obviously, most people will not be able attend all the sessions, but we hope this will be a priority for the people who sign up. Please contact Pastor Brent with any questions, fears, hopes, or dilemmas.